Bill addresses alcohol use by on-duty police

Published: Monday, May 13, 2013 1:00 a.m. CST

By The Pantagraph

SPRINGFIELD (AP) — Illinois lawmakers are seeking a zero-tolerance policy for most on-duty police officers when it comes to using alcohol.

The (Bloomington) Pantagraph (http://bit.ly/13R1pKt) reports the push follows the findings by a Chicago-based watchdog that there aren't consistent statewide alcohol standards for law enforcement agencies.

The Better Government Association found that some agencies have zero tolerance for alcohol in the bloodstream of on-duty officers, while others allow blood-alcohol levels below the state's legal threshold for drunken driving.

The measure would exempt undercover investigators and alcohol use related to training. The Illinois Fraternal Order of Police Council says cases involving off-duty officers called in to work should be considered.

The bill has been approved by the state House and awaits Senate action.